So you’re still a big adept of watching TV? Then you should know your options! In this day and age, television broadcast is getting quite widespread and multi-faceted, with the introduction of new technologies and platforms.
Depending on where you are located in the world as well as your image quality preferences and the money you’re willing to spend on subscription, there are various options available. This article will go over the most common ways to watch TV nowadays, as well as the specific pros and cons of each option.
Cable TV
Once the most popular subscription model for TV adepts all around the world, cable TV is nowadays not as widespread. Even though it’s a simple and convenient way to get access too hundreds of channels with great quality, there are several drawbacks to cable. For one, it tends to be more expensive than newer alternatives, with heftier installation charges and monthly packages that quickly add up to a substantial bill. Additionally, cable is generally available only in urban areas, which means that for many it’s not even an option.
DirectTV/ DISH network
This is one of the newer broadcast models which has recently been growing in popularity as a mainstream alternative to cable. Satellite TV packages are usually much cheaper than cable, and they provide just as many channels (sometimes even more), with just as good HD picture quality. The main drawback to this model is the necessity for installing a satellite, which is usually much more expensive than installing a cable setup (although looking into DISH network coupons is always an option). The greatest strength of satellite TV is how it’s available even in the most desolate and secluded areas, provided there’s a good satellite dish available.
Portable Satellite Kits
Similar to regular satellite TV, with one exception: portability. These are smaller satellite dishes that can be easily moved around, thereby making a great alternative for the modern nomads who won’t do without high quality TV broadcast. A portable satellite system will be significantly costlier than a regular satellite dish, but it will come with lower set up costs (usually you can set up this kind of system by yourself). Additionally, this technology addresses one of the greatest problems of regular satellite dishes, since their portability allows for easy installation in any household, even an apartment rental or a holiday cottage.
Online Streaming
With this, we enter the real of on-lie alternatives to TV broadcast. There are services available nowadays that allow watching TV shows and movies *legally* from over the Internet. Obviously, this implies having Internet access, which ideally should be of good speed. Some of these services (such as Hulu) are even free for US residents, while others – such as Netflix – require a monthly fee (which will usually be quite inexpensive compared to cable, for example). If you have a good Internet connection, you will usually get to see your favorite shows in HD, as well. The main drawbacks to this technology is the absolute requirement for Internet access, and the fact it’s not quite as pratical and seamless experience as using a normal TV.
Mobile Apps
In this day and age mobile computing is getting increasingly widespread, with the advent of smart-phones and tablets. With these devices, new ways of streaming TV content via the Internet have surfaced. For example, there are apps available for using Hulu, Netflix and similar services from mobile devices. Alternatively, some mainstream cable services are now offering this kind of option as an extra, meaning they will let you use your mobile devices to pick up the same broadcast you would from your TV set. Mobiles apps aren’t as much an alternative as a complement to the other options, but it’s still practical and efficient enough to be worth looking into.